Impacts of forest management on stand and landscape-level microclimate heterogeneity of European beech forests

Abstract Context Forest microclimate influences biodiversity and plays a crucial role in regulating forest ecosystem functions. It is modified by management as result of changes structure due to tree harvesting thinning. Objectives Here, we investigate the impacts even-aged uneven-aged on stand- landscape-level heterogeneity microclimates, comparison with unmanaged, old-growth European beech forest. Methods We combined stand structural topographical indices derived from airborne laser scanning climate observations 23 meteorological stations at permanent plots within Hainich region, Germany. Based multiple linear regression model, spatially interpolated diurnal temperature range (DTR) an indicator across 4338 ha section 50 m spatial resolution. Microclimate was measured α-, β-, γ-diversity thermal niches (i.e. DTR classes). Results Even-aged forests showed higher microclimates than unmanaged forests. This mainly β-diversity resulting coexistence different developmental stages landscape. The greater complexity stand-level stands did not increase α-diversity microclimates. Predicted significantly lower more homogenous compared both types managed Conclusion If aims creating wide habitats landscape, co-existing differently should be considered, instead focusing specific type management, or setting aside reserves only.